Sexualized drug use in virtual space: A scoping review of how gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men interact online.

Citation

Patten, S., Doria, N., Joy, P., Sinno, J., Spencer, R., LeBlanc, MA., Holmes, D., & Numer, M. (2020). Sexualized drug use in virtual space: A scoping review of how gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men interact online. The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality. DOI: 10.3138/cjhs.2019-0052

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to review the scope of the current literature on sexualized drug use (SDU) among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), particularly in online spaces. Over the last decade, there has been a rapid emergence of online venues for GBMSM to interact for sexual purposes. These spaces have also been infused with various substances that influence or shape the sexual interactions among GBMSM. Employing a scoping review methodology, we explored the interplay between GBMSM, SDU, and online dating and hookup apps. This scoping review presents four themes emerging from the literature: the connection between social networking apps (SNAs) and SDU, the planning and coordination of sex parties, accessing drugs through SNAs, and the coded language that emerges on SNAs. These findings synthesize the important relationship between GBMSM and SDUs, and identify the implications for health promotion.

https://doi.org/10.3138/cjhs.2019-0052

Grinding Against HIV Discourse: A Critical Exploration of Social Sexual Practices in Gay Cruising Apps.

Citation

Numer, M., Holmes, D., Joy, P., Thompson, R., & Doria, N. (2019). Grinding Against HIV Discourse: A Critical Exploration of Social Sexual Practices in Gay Cruising Apps. Gender, Technology and Development. DOI: 10.1080/09718524.2019.1684022

Abstract

Social networking applications (SNAs), such as Grindr, are shaping the identities and sexual practices of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM). This qualitative study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the role of such technologies in social sexual practices, particularly in relation to risk management and prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted blood-borne infections (STBBIs). Poststructuralism and queer theory were used to critically examine the relationship between GBM and SNAs in a sample of people who use Grindr. Sixteen people, identifying as men who used Grindr, were interviewed. Discourse analysis was employed to critically examine the relationship between GBM and SNAs, and three threads of discourse emerged: Language and images, Filtering, and Trust. These threads of discourse provide insight into how the sexual beliefs, values, and practices of GBM are shaped on SNAs.

https://doi.org/10.1080/09718524.2019.1684022

Gay men’s sexual health promotion in virtual space: Exploring stakeholders’ attitudes and approaches to outreach on mobile apps in Nova Scotia.

Citation

Thompson, R., Joy, P., Numer, M., & Holmes, D. (2018). Gay men’s sexual health promotion in virtual space: Exploring stakeholders’ attitudes and approaches to outreach on mobile apps in Nova Scotia. The International Journal of Community Diversity, 18(3-4), 17-29.

Abstract

HIV infections are still are a concern for many gay men in Canada despite prevention efforts. Social networking applications (SNAs) have predominantly been where gay men meet for sexual encounters. Grindr is the most common app used, which is a GPS-enabled SNA that was released in 2009. In Nova Scotia, there is a culture of silence in the gay community surrounding HIV/AIDS discourses. It is suggested that the perspective of professional stakeholders in sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBI) prevention is needed to enhance prevention efforts. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the perspectives of service providers regarding STBBI risk on one SNA for gay men. Key stakeholders in this current study were sexual health service providers working in Nova Scotia. Four stakeholders were interviewed as part of a larger study. Secondary thematic analysis was employed to examine this data for this research project. The interviewed stakeholders experienced outreach challenges because of the “changed landscape” of online partner finding. Stakeholders have an interest in accessing these spaces for prevention and suggest that online forums such as Grindr can be used for sexual health prevention aimed at gay men. Further, leaders in the gay men’s community may be able to help service providers understand the implications and potential contributions of sexual health promotion efforts.

http://hdl.handle.net/10222/75936